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united church of the first born
about our leader
Pastor Bernard Brown was born to Joan and Melvin Brown, August 10, 1972. A native of Philadelphia, PA, he was raised in the heart of Camden, New Jersey. He graduated from Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1990.
While in his youth, he began his work for the Kingdom of God as a Junior Deacon, and Youth Minister at El Bethel Pentecostal Church of Faith, Philadelphia PA. Gifted with working with the youth, Pastor Brown coached at St. Peter’s football program and went on to coach at his alumni, Cherry Hill Catholic High School for three years.
On December 19, 2003, Pastor Brown married the love of his life, the lovely Sherra Christmas. In October 2012, Pastor Brown received one of the highest callings in his life when he declared, God spoke to him and told him to be tested alongside family members to test for compatibility for kidney donation for his wife. Pastor Brown was found to be the best match and was able to donate his Kidney to his wife.
#lovinonyou
In 2007, Pastor Brown became licensed and ordained under the leadership of the late Senior Pastor, Paul Jinks. He humbly served under Pastor Paul Jinks for 6 years as his Assistant Pastor at United Church of the First Born. On November 10, 2013, Pastor Brown, in order and obedience, responded to his calling and was appointed the Senior Pastor of United Church of the First Born. Responding to his call, Pastor Brown continued his service to Christ with a vengeance. His charismatic style of preaching and teaching the Good News, along with his exceptional ability at meeting people where they are, both spiritually, and emotionally, is evidenced by his increasing the membership of United Church of the First Born.
Pastor Brown is currently studying the Everyday Seminary curriculum online, and for the past 17 years, continues to utilize the Bible Expositor, an in-depth study of God’s word that has been quoted as the equivalent of Theology School. Pastor Brown has been featured in the Philadelphia Tribune as “A Leader with a Vision for the Future.” He has also been awarded a citation from the City of Philadelphia for his extensive work with Community Outreach in the Germantown area. He worked ardently to reopen the Wister Recreation Center and was asked to serve on the Advisory Board as the President. Pastor Brown and his congregation provided food and clothing giveaways, annual holiday events, and resource fairs for the community. Pastor Brown also serves as the Chaplain for the 14th Police District of Philadelphia.
Pastor Brown’s magnetic style of preaching, humorous personality, and love of God’s Word, inspires the saints to diligently seek after Christ. Through Prayer, trust, and obedience, Pastor Brown was able to move his congregation to a larger church located at 2516 West Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia to accommodate the increasing number of souls committing their lives to Christ.